field and centrifuge model testing programmes to investigate the response of transmission tower foundations to dynamic loads and climate change (National Grid plc; three grants: £580,000)

large-scale tests on the hydraulic properties of refuse in the context of sustainable landfill and waste stabilisation (EPSRC/Cleanaway); and laboratory tests to investigate factors affecting the rate and magnitude of secondary settlements of landfills (EPSRC) and biological clogging of leachate drains (BNFL)

EPSRC platform grants in liquid and gas flow processes in wastes, and the management of residual wastes

the use of carbon fibre-reinforced composites to strengthen cast and wrought iron and steel beams in bridges and other structures, and to strengthen cast iron struts under preload

the innovative use of polymer composite materials in bridge and sandwich panel construction

the use of high-strength reinforced cast stone in novel applications such as building panels, and earthquake and blast-resistance structures

shear and moment capacities of reinforced concrete pile caps

soil–structure interaction of reinforced concrete integral bridges

behaviour of steel sheet piles

management of vibrations in long-span steel–concrete composite beams

post-plastic analysis of pitched roof portal frames

strength, fatigue and fracture of tubular onshore and offshore structures

Advanced soil-testing apparatus (cyclic triaxial, resonant column, hollow cylinder) is being used for problems ranging from characterisation of the Atherfield Clay (EPSRC funding) to the dynamic behaviour of offshore gas hydrates at high pressure and low temperature and railway sub-base materials (EPSRC/RRUK).

We have contributed to fundamental knowledge in the areas of groundwater control, retaining walls, landfill engineering, soil behaviour, structural repair techniques and the safety of offshore structures. CFRP beam research led to the largest ever structural strengthening contract using carbon-fibre composites at Shadwell station, LUL. Research results are consistently disseminated to industry through authorship of guidance documents and reports.

We currently hold over £4 million in research funding, supporting over 30 researchers. Much of this is derived from EPSRC sources but we also receive significant financial support from charities, industry and government. We collaborate extensively with the construction and waste management industries, and have international research links with institutions in China, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Kazakhstan, Korea, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa and Western Australia.

We welcome applications to carry out doctoral research in our areas of expertise. For further information please contact the Head of Division, Professor Ole Thomsen or our administrative team.